Northeast Golf June/July 2020

JUNE/JULY 2020 | VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 3

BOOTHBAY HARBOR COUNTRY CLUB Where Luxury Meets Nature GOLF AWA RDS

Courses & Clubs Ranges & Instructors Resorts, Fashion & Gear

+

Drive Time Golf Destinations

ENTER TO WIN A Tour Edge Exotics CBX119 Fairway & Hybrid at:

Northeast.Golf/WIN

The Club at New Seabury is a premier Private Golf Community, boasting resort amenities with spectacular views of the iconic Nantucket Sound. Membership at New Seabury provides a Cape Cod vacation lifestyle.

With two championship waterfront golf courses, full-service clubhouse, five restaurants, two beach clubs and beach bars, state-of-the-art fitness facility, sixteen tennis courts, pools, walking trails & more, your experiences with family and friends will provide you memories to last a lifetime. Future home owners will find unique neighborhoods set amidst the country club setting.

2 COA STALHOMELIFE.CO M

J A N UARY • FEB RUARY 2020

The award-winning Cottages at New Seabury evokes a simpler time and a return to Olde Cape Cod but with all the modern conveniences for today’s active lifestyles.

White picket fence cottages recall images of a quaint New England village and flowering trees, shrubs and privet fencing fashions a charming small neighborhood atmosphere.

T H E C O T TA G E S AT T H E N E W S E A B U RY

Perched on the dunes above Nantucket Sound and nestled along the first fairway of the The Ocean Couse lies New Seabury’s most exclusive neighborhood. Twenty-three spectacular new homes sites, including some of the last waterfront lots, are set in an unrivaled New Seabury location.

O C E A N F R O N T H O M E S AT S E A S I D E

WATERFRONT HOMES

Realty Executives of Cape Cod 20 Red Brook Road, New Seabury MA 02649 15 Cape Lane, Brewster MA 02631 100 Independence Drive, Hyannis MA 02601

PRE-CONSTRUCTION PROPERTIES

508-539-8200 info@newseabury.com

NEW CONSTRUCTION HOMES

www.newseabury.com

RESORT PROPERTIES

JA NUARY • FE BRUARY 2020

COA S TA L H OMEL IFE.COM 3

When you come to the Pinehurst, Southern Pines Aberdeen Area, you come to play. But we’re not just referring to the worldclass golf we’re known for. Here, shopowners along historic Main Street offer local treasures, and chefs craft a range of culinary delights. From hiking and shopping to sipping craft brews, discover a small town that’s big on memory making.

We invite you to come and explore a vacation with a Southern Accent.

homeofgolf.com

INSIDE JUNE • JULY 2020 VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 3

Boothbay Harbor Country Club has been expertly redeveloped into one of the finest golf courses in the New England region.

COVER STORY

12

Where Luxury Meets Nature. Boothbay Harbor Country Club is located on the mid-coast

of Maine nestled in among the rolling hills with many vistas and granite rock formations.

COUPLE OF TRAVELERS

Big Drives for the Best Golf Getaways

As the world reopens, we can wait and watch it like a flower blooming or we can hit the road and devour the scenery.

14

BEST TRAVEL

Resorts & Destinations

ENTER TO WIN A Tour Edge Exotics CBX119 Fairway & Hybrid at:

Northeast.Golf/WIN

21

continued

25 IN GOLF AWARDS

Our 4th Annual BEST IN GOLF AWARDS identifies the greatest public courses, private clubs, practice facilities, and instructors in the region!

NORTHE AS T.GOL F | JU N E / JU LY 2020

5

EQUIPMENT & GEAR

47

32

HOME CLUB

“Victory” at The Aquidneck Club

48 Drivers & Shafts

A Home for Living in a Community for Life

49 Fairways & Hybrids

52 Irons

53 Wedges & Putters

42

BUSINESS ACUMEN

58

AROUND THE GAME

56

Nexbelt: Just the begininng

54 Balls, Bags, Carts

MOLORI UNPLUGGED

Teeing it up with best media golfers

55 TECH

58

GOLF FASHION

62

ROSS’S RULES

NEPGA Championship, Top 10 New One For The Ages England Golfers

64

THE CLOSING NINE

Single Riders Are Coming

GOLF COURSE

Public Courses in RI

FROM THE EDITOR FA I R P L AY

The Very Best Time for Drive Golf Vacations

“In less than a day’s drive, there are hundreds of world class golfing resorts and regions that golfers from all over the world come to visit every year, here in the Northeast.

Golf Travelers are Planning Road Trips this Year

I

TS COMMON NATURE FOR GOLFERS to plan golf vacations each year in every season.

The idea of getting away to a new courses, resorts and regions is what makes golf such a universally loved sport. The game draws us to new places, new destinations and new challenges. In most sports the playing fields are pretty much the same, but in golf, every course is a different and new unique experience. Years ago, golf trips were mostly taken by automobile with friends and family visiting their favorite resorts and regions. With our present situation with COVID 19, its time to get back to golf road trips. And for all of us in the Northeast, it could not be a better time to rediscover the incredible golfing places right here in our own backyard.

In less than a day’s drive, there are hundreds of world class golfing resorts and regions that golfers from all over the world come to visit every year, here in the Northeast. We are blessed with some of the finest seaside, mountainside and countryside facilities with more diversity in design, terrain and character than almost anywhere in the world today. From Ocean City to Atlantic City, Long Island, Rhode Island, Cape Cod and the Island’s and the coast of Maine you will find some of the most amazing seaside golf in the country.

Northern New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Upstate, NY are home to a wide variety of golf resorts, golf and gaming resorts and fantastic family resorts with fantastic golf courses and a vast array of resort amenities for the entire family. Northern New England boast some of the

most spectacular mountain golf resorts in Vermont, New Hampshire and Northern Maine with dramatic course designs and with amazing vistas.

Let’s not forget Eastern Canada & the Maritimes which is packed with luxurious resorts in Toronto, Quebec and Montreal which are only about 300 miles from Boston and New York and offer historic stately hotels and resorts along the Great lakes. In eastern Canada Prince Edward Island is a golf mecca and New Brunswick and Nova Scotia offer some of the most dramatic seaside course designs in the world.

The beauty of drive golf vacations is one day you can enjoy golf in the White Mountain of New Hampshire and the next day be on the Maine or Novo Scotia seaside links. The beauty is that packaging a few destinations in one road trip is pretty easy here in the Northeast. The truth is, most golfers from the Northeast who have been to Myrtle Beach, Florida, the Southwest and across the pond have not enjoyed Northeast resort golf, as much as those golf travelers who visit from outside the region. It’s a great time to rediscover Northeast Golf – Can You Say Road trip! nteer or are interested in the game.

Timothy R. Branco Editor, Northeast Golf

Submit Your News & More at:

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JU N E / J ULY 2 02 0 | NO RT HE AST.G OLF

Editor / Publisher Timothy R. Branco

Creative Director Chris Lewis Creative Designer Robert Libertini Multimedia Megan Ward Haley Woods Stephanie Applin Contributing Editor David DeSmith Contributors Timothy Branco Dirk Van Der Broek Leigh MacKay Paul Mignosa John Molori Jack Ross Greg Sampson Alice & Danny Scott Ed Travis Henry Wallmeyer Matt Ward Phil Werz Nick Heidelberger

TO

THE

enizagam flog tsaehtron ot noitpircsbus eerf a eviecer sretov 005

Director of Sales & Marketing Greg Sampson greg@nepubinc.com Sales Paul Mignosa paul@nepubinc.com Jaime Lynn Gaffga jaime.nemedia@gmail.com Takara McDermott takara.nemedia@gmail.com

Congrats WINNERS

Jim E. (Dennis, MA)

Wins a Custom Set of Ben Hogan Irons

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Wins a Custom Set of Ben Hogan Wedges

Client Relations Mary Branco For Editorial & Advertising Requests: 800-736-9020 info@newengland.media Subscriptions northeast.golf/join

Thank You

A Division of New England Publishing Group Inc. FOR GOLF Š 2020 New England Publishing Group Inc. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The articles appearing within this publication re ect the opinion of their respective authors and not necessarily those of the publisher. Subscriptions are $29.99 annually for 6 issues.

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www.Northeast.Golf

IN

FOR

YOU ARE INVITED TO TEST DRIVE The Golf Club at Turner Hill

Situated in the idyllic coastal town of Ipswich, Massachusetts you’ll find one of the North Shore’s truly hidden gems. Set amongst 380 acres of tranquility and beauty, the centerpiece of the member-owned Golf Club at Turner Hill is the exclusive golf course. Completed in 2004, this award-winning, 18-hole championship golf course was designed by Hurdzan/Fry, the acclaimed team that designed Erin Hills, site of the 2017 U.S. Open. Featuring spectacular vista and elevation changes, wide fairways and generous green complexes and sparkling white bunkers, the design preserves and promotes the area’s breathtaking natural surroundings, offering a balance of dramatic and challenging play.

Recipient of the exclusive “Distinguished Club” award from Boardroom Magazine, the property is highlighted by the extraordinary Rice Estate, which was built between 1900 and 1903. The grand historic Elizabethan-style mansion, which serves as the Clubhouse, boasts intricacies that resulted in a structural work of art that could rarely be repeated today. Architecturally inspired by European castles and manors, it offers a unique combination of rich history, comfort and elegance. Featuring two dining facilities, Haddington wine room, library, reception hall and original two-lane bowling alley, the clubhouse provides an array of opportunities for member and corporate events, private parties, and member social activities.

We invite you to experience our relaxed private club lifestyle and pristine facilities. The Golf Club at Turner Hill offers a variety of membership opportunities designed to fit the needs of both individuals and families. Whether you’re an avid golfer, enjoy fitness and recreational amenities, or prefer casual and fine dining, Turner Hill provides members with a diverse and unique private club experience. Our professional staff remains unmatched in their commitment and service to members and their guests.

A Limited Number of Memberships Now Available with Deferred Initiation For more information on the club please contact Michael Gibson, General Manager (mgibson@turnerhill.com) 978-312-3006 For all membership inquiries please contact Nate Hopley, Director of Golf & Membership (nhopley@turnerhill.com) 978-312-3007.

COVER STORY BOOTHBAY HARBOR COUNTRY CLUB

Boothbay Harbor Country Club

B

GOLF COURSE

OOTHBAY HARBOR COUNTRY CLUB is an 18-hole course redesigned

by Bruce Hepner in 2013. The original 9-hole course was built in 1921 with Wayne Stiles and John Van Kleek as the architects. It was expanded to 18 holes in 1999. Extensive renovations began after the course was

purchased in 2013 by now owner Paul Coulombe. The entire course has been expertly redeveloped into one of the finest golf courses in the New England region.

The course is a par 71 and 6,655 yards in length from the back tees. We have 5 teeing options to accommodate all levels of golfers. Beautiful landscaping with many streams of moving water compliments the carefully maintained turf conditions and striking vistas of the Boothbay Harbor region surround the entire course.

A 320 yard long practice range, 10,000 sq. ft. putting green and a full short game practice complex can all be found on the grounds at Boothbay Harbor CC. Four PGA Professionals are staffed to provide golf instruction with today’s state-of-theart technology. Professional caddies are available on requests along with EZ-Go’s TFM GPS System in all golf carts

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Where

Luxury Meets Nature Location: Boothbay Harbor Country Club is located on the mid-coast of Maine on a peninsula bounded by the Sheepscot and Damariscotta Rivers. The golf course is nestled in among the rolling hills with many vistas and granite rock formations.

Amenities: The new 30,000 sq. ft. Clubhouse opened in 2016, a world-class facility, housing a 5-star restaurant, sports bar and grille, outdoor heated seating with fire pit, a proshop, and luxury locker rooms. Paul’s Steakhouse serves the finest aged steaks along with other fine cuisine in an elegant dining room. Grill 19 offers the casual diner and sport enthusiast a delightful place for enjoying friends or watching your favorite team on one of our 7 TVs. The Wellness Center provides a full fitness facility, tennis and pickleball courts, a heated saltwater pool and hot tub. Personal training, massage and chiropractic services are also available.

NORTHE AS T.GOL F | JU N E / JU LY 2020

13

COVER STORY XXX XXX

Accommodations: Plan a coastal Maine vacation and stay at the waterfront resort in one of the luxury cottages or in one of the new Golfside Villas.

Boothbay Harbor Oceanside Golf Resort is a waterfront resort with 75 luxury rooms.

The property has been completely transformed with an air of casual elegance. Updates include new king-size beds, luxury linens, and Boothbay Harbor’s hottest new restaurant, Coastal Prime, with its expansive heated deck and amazing views of the harbor.

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COVER STORY BOOTHBAY HARBOR COUNTRY CLUB

Stay & Play Packages

June (Maine residents only) 1 night + 2 Rounds | $299 July/August | 1 night + 2 Rounds | $499* September | 1 night + 2 Rounds | $399* October | 1 night + 2 Rounds | $299 *available Sun-Wed

Boothbay Harbor Oceanside Golf Resort 207.633.4455 boothbayharboroceansideresort.com

Boothbay Harbor Summer Cottages Harborside Cottages and Golfside Villas. The cottages have wonderful harbor views and a convenient in-town location close to shops and dining. The Golfside Villas have spectacular views overlooking the first hole and proximity to all of the luxurious amenities at the club. All of the 5-star cottages give you access to all of the exclusive membership benefits at Boothbay Harbor Country Club as well as discounted green fees.

Boothbay Harbor Summer Cottages 800.762.8433 boothbaysummercottages.com/offers

AWARDS: Best Clubhouse Architectural Digest Best of Maine 2018 & 2019 Down East Magazine Best Private Clubs in Maine Northeast Golf Magazine Best in State List Golf Digest Boothbay Harbor Country Club 207.633.3673 50 Sugar Maple Lane, Boothbay, ME 04537 www.boothbayharborcc.com

NORTHE AS T.GOL F | JU N E / JU LY 2020

15

The best golf in the Caribbean, 7,000 acres of adventure, a half century of luxury, and still somehow a well-kept secret.

The best.

The most.

The first.

Since it opened as the first resort in the Dominican Republic, Casa de Campo® has been a favorite luxury destination for discerning travelers the world over. Three Pete Dye designed golf courses including the Teeth of the Dog, the #1 course in the Caribbean.

The Golf Learning Center, breathtaking accommodations, 8 world class restaurants, a marina, equestrian center, shooting course, and pristine beaches await. Join us for the 39th Annual Casa de Campo Open happening September 16-20, 2020.

Discover more at casadecampo.com.do • m.leonardo@ccampo.com.do • 855-843-9220 ®

®

®

®

BEST TRAVEL R E S O RT S & D E S T I N AT I O N S

NEW ENGLAND

MID ATLANTIC

OMNI MT. WASHINGTON Brenton Woods, New Hampshire omnihotels.com

TURNING STONE RESORT Verona, New York turningstone.com

WOODSTOCK INN & RESORT Woodstock, Vermont woodstockinn.com

THE SAMOSET RESORT Rockport, Maine samosetresort.com

CRYSTAL SPRINGS RESORT Hamburg, New Jersey crystalgolfresort.com

THE SAGAMORE RESORT Bolton Landing, New York thesagamore.com

SOUTH ATLANTIC

SOUTH EAST

THE OMNI HOMESTEAD Hot Springs, Virginia omnihotels.com

SEA ISLAND RESORT Sea Island, Georgia seaisland.com

NEMACOLIN WOODLANDS Farmington, Pennsylvania nemacolin.com

THE GREENBRIER White Sulfur Springs, W. Virginia greenbrier.com

PINEHURST RESORT Pinehurst, North Carolina pinehurst.com

STREAMSONG RESORT Bowling Green, Florida streamsongresort.com

NORTHE AS T.GOL F | JU N E / JU LY 2020

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BEST TRAVEL R E S O RT S & D E S T I N AT I O N S

SOUTH CENTRAL

MIDWEST

HORSESHOE BAY RESORT Horseshoe Bay, Texas hsbresort.com

THE INN AT BAY HARBOR Bay Harbor, Michigan boyne.com

ROSS BRIDGE GOLF RESORT Birmingham, Alabama marriott.com

FRENCH LICK RESORT French Lick, Indiana frenchlick.com

THE AMERICAN CLUB Kohler, Wisconsin americanclubresort.com

SOUTHWEST

NORTHWEST

PEBBLE BEACH RESORT Pebble Beach, California pebblebeach.com

BANDON DUNES RESORT Bandon, Oregon bandondunesgolf.com

FOUR SEASONS RESORT Scottsdale, Arizona foursesons.com 18

REYNOLDS LAKE OCONEE Greensboro, Georgia reynoldslakeoconee.com

LOWES VENTANA CANYON Tucson, Arizona loweshotels.com

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THE COEUR D’ ALENE RESORT Coeur d’Alene, Idaho cdaresort.com

PROGHORN RESORT Bend, Oregon proghornresort.com

BEST TRAVEL R E S O RT S & D E S T I N AT I O N S

CARIBBEAN

CANADA

THE ABACO CLUB Winding Bay, Bahamas theabacoclub.com

CABOT LINKS Inverness, Nova Scotia cabotlinks.com

CASA DE CAMPO La Romana, Dominican Republic casadecampo.com

ROSEWOOD BERMUDA Hamilton Parish, Bermuda rosewoodhotels.com

FAIRMONT TREMBLANT Mont Tremblant, Quebec Canada fairmont.com

FAIRMONT WHISTLER Whistler, British Columbia Canada fairmont.com

UK EUROPE

ASIA SOUTH PACIFIC

FAIRMONT ST ANDREWS St Andrews, Scotland fairmont.com

THE ELS CLUB TELUK DATAI Johor Bahru Malaysia, China elsclubmalaysia.com

THE VERDURA RESORT Sciacca, Italy rocofortehotels.com

ADARE MANOR RESORT County Limerick, Ireland adaremanor.com

BANYAN TREE LANG CO Thua Thien, Vietnam banyantree.com

RITZ CARLTON KAPALUA Maui, Hawaii ritzcarlton.com NORTHE AS T.GOL F | JU N E / JU LY 2020

19

Great

Golf

Ocean City, Maryland

17 Championship Courses 10 Miles of Beach 3 Mile Boardwalk

2 Nights, 3 Rounds Starting: Spring / Fall Weekdays - $170 Weekends - $191

First Class Accommodations Excellent Dining Exciting Nightlife

“Great Golf is Just the Beginning” Ocean City, Maryland

www.OceanCityGolf.com

A COUPLE OF TRAVELERS DRIVE TIME

Big Drives for the Best Golf Getaways

By Alice & Danny Scott

F

LYING MAY BE A BIT FLIGHTY THESE DAYS, but road warriors are rewarded with low gas

menus. While all of PEI is something to crow

prices. As the world reopens, we can wait and watch it like a flower blooming in time

about, Crowbush Cove Golf Course stands

lapsed photography, or we can hit the road and devour the scenery. How and when you

out with the island’s signature Number 16

venture out is a personal choice. Pack picnics, order take out or delve back into dining along

sprawling along the ocean and 17’s “crow’s

the way. Whatever direction you take, check ahead to confirm what amenities/sites are

nest” for a 360-degree bird’s eye view of the

available or open. Lingering uncertainties might require extra flexibility. Have masks ready

island. Border opening is targeted for June

when still required. Set expectations a little lower this year and enjoy the present moments

21. Confirm dates and spectacular golf

more. Here are a few of the best golf getaway drives for northeasterners.

packages with advisors at: www.golfpei.

Prince Edward Island, PEI - Drive through Maine to New Brunswick and then take a ferry or cross over the Confederation Bridge to the laid-back island that boasts over 30 fabulous courses within half an hour of one another. Beaches are also within 30 minutes from any point with the warmest waters north of the Carolinas. Stay at Delta Hotels on the marina in Charlottetown and walk to entertainment, shops and restaurants.

Embark on a Top Notch Lobster Tour for a unique boating and dining experience.

Musicians serenade at sidewalk cafes on Victoria Row. PEI’s culinary prowess expands beyond their world-famous mussels and oysters which are served on many 19th hole NORTHE AS T.GOL F | JU N E / JU LY 2020

21

A COUPLE OF TRAVELERS DRIVE TIME

com.

generously sized suites and guest rooms with

STOWE, VERMONT – MOUNTAIN scenery is

a balcony. Villas for family or buddy

breathtaking on route to the alpine Spruce

excursions overlook Blueberry Pond (where

Peak, formerly Stowe Mountain Resort. On

paddleboards or kayaks are complimentary

our last drive to northern Vermont we

for an hour) or Jack Nicklaus’ 18-hole

stopped for a bear crossing the highway.

course. The Golden Bear experience is quality

Perhaps you might see one on The Mountain

ensured as a Troon Privé venue with lush

Course at Spruce Peak, designed by Bob

fairways. Linx Tavern adjoins the pro shop

Cupp and voted # 1 in the state by Golf

while Bayzos Pub in The Mansion is named

Advisor. The private course welcomes Spruce

for old time boozer men who may have

Peak guests who may select accommodations

lining. A spa, restaurants and shops in the

staggered out to the “salt flat,” as the beach is

in The Lodge, Penthouses or Luxury Rentals.

quaint village all hope to open with the resort

called at low tide. It extends for miles teeming

The public Stowe Country Club was designed

June 15th. Reserve a spot at:

with tidal pools of life. Cages of Brewster’s

on a turn of the century dairy farm and was

www.sprucepeak.com

oysters are harvested for preparation at the

rated # 3 in Vermont by Golf Digest. Both

Ocean Edge Terrace where fine cuisine is

courses provide exhilarating elevation play

OCEAN EDGE RESORT AND GOLF CLUB

up, over and around the Green Mountains.

in Brewster on Cape Cod continually wins

or bike the 26-mile rail trail or while away

Breathe in the fresh forest scent while riding

“Best Awards.”

the day on the surf catered by attentive staff.

the gondola, hiking, biking, fishing and zip

The 1890s historic Mansion Hotel offers

served overlooking the water. Play golf, tennis

This is after all, the Ocean Edge, expected to reopen June 8th. www.oceanedge.com

OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND - Shops and restaurants welcomed enthusiastic beachgoers during May’s phased reopening. Big Jim’s Bikes sold out of inventory. The famous Boardwalk will broaden openings with expected cautions for an exciting summer season. 17 area championship courses represent the who’s who of golf architects with Jack Nicklaus’s Bayside Resort and

Peninsula Golf and CC and Arthur Hills’

highly rated Links at Lighthouse Sound.

Add in Pete Dye, Gary Player, Jim Furyk, and Robert Trent Jones designs all hugging the eastern seaboard. Eagle’s Landing is oceanside golf like no other with views of the 22

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Sinepuxent Bay and Assateague National Seashore. No one is crabby in Ocean City while the crab houses are filled with tasty treats. From the Kite Festival to fishing contests, laser show and fireworks, there is always something going on with the option of doing absolutely nothing on the beach.

Build a custom package at: www.oceancitygolf.com

CRYSTAL SPRINGS RESORT in northern New Jersey has been taking reservations for stays starting June 4th. Go Big or stay home as this resort has 6 championship golf courses anchored by # 1 rated Ballyowen. Nestled in the Kittatinny Mountain Range, the AAA 4-star Grand Cascades Lodge and Mineral

fishing, archery, hiking, movies and

since May and The David Ledbetter Academy

Lodge provide upscale amenities with spas,

entertainment hosted in outdoor venues, the

is onsite, ready to provide instruction for all

restaurants, and a wine cellar.

Resort is awaiting local approval for the

levels of players. Go to:

opening of the Mountaintop Lake, which

www.crystalgolfresort.com

Experienced, creative hospitality professionals delight guests. While most of

features canoeing, kayaking, archery, fishing,

their regular offerings will be available,

paddle boarding and hiking. The variety of

NEMACOLIN WOODLANDS RESORT - It’s the

including farm animal visits, pony rides,

golf options are endless with the courses open

Laurel and Hardy show at this allencompassing luxury resort. Below the Laurel Mountains, the Hardy family owners showcase exotic wildlife and a miniature golf course appearing like an amusement park while Pete Dye’s full Mystic Rock and

Shepherd’s Rock courses are rated on the

top lists in Pennsylvania. A sculpted hippo makes a splash at the final hole of Shepherd’s Rock and over 100 more whimsical sculptures pop up throughout. Tour the art studio, car and plane museums or place your bets at Lady Luck Casino. Sign up for shooting, Orvis Fly Fishing, horseback riding, zip lining, wall climbing, off roading, paintball, biking, hiking, and bowling. Focus on wellness at the spa or healing center. Transportation is by Rolls Royce, Bentley or the shuttle that runs every few minutes. Cuisine and accommodations are exquisite in Falling Rock, the Lodge or the Chateau Lafayette where bedrooms have 3 chandeliers. www.nemacolin.com NORTHE AS T.G OL F | JU N E / JU LY 2020

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COME SEE HOW THE ROCK IS PLAYING! Award

Winning

Golf

Is

Closer

To

You

Than

You

Think!

Just 45 Minutes from Boston & Providence - Only 1 Hour from Manchester & Hartford

91 Clubhouse Ln. Northbridge, MA 01534 •

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508-234-0400

• ShiningRock.com

4TH ANNUAL

GOLF AWA RDS Our 4th Annual NORTHEAST GOLF MAGAZINE’S BEST IN GOLF AWARDS identifies the greatest public courses, private clubs, practice facilities, and instructors in the region! The selections will be made through a mix of this reader survey, industry expert input, staff picks, and other national lists.

GreatHorse

NORTHE AS T.GOL F | JU N E / JU LY 2020

25

IN GOLF

BEST IN

BEST IN

RHODE ISLAND GOLF

MASSACHUSETTS GOLF

Redtail GC

Meadowbrook GC

Kittansett CC

Wannamoisett CC

Public Courses

Private Courses

Public Courses

Private Courses

Dennis Pines

Essex CC

Crystal Lake GC

Newport CC

Granite Links GC

GreatHorse

Exeter CC

Point Judith CC

Olde Barnstable

The Kittansett Club

Fenner Hill GC

Rhode Island CC

Fairgrounds

Myopia Hunt Club

Green Valley CC

Sakonnet GC

Pinehills (Nicklaus/Jones)

New Seabury (Ocean Course)

Meadow Brook GC

Shelter Harbor GC

Montaup CC

The Aquidneck Club

Red Tail GC

Old Sandwich GC

Newport National

The Misquamicut Club

Shaker Hills CC

Ledgemont CC

North Kingstown GC

Wannamoisett CC

Shining Rock GC

The Country Club

Triggs GC

Warwick CC

Taconic GC

The International (Pines & Oaks)

Crumpin Fox Club

The Cape Club

Boston GC

TPC Boston Vineyard GC 26

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Cranston CC

Kirkbrae CC

IN GOLF

BEST IN

BEST IN

NEW YORK

CONNECTICUT GOLF

Pequabuck Golf Club

Leatherstoking Golf Course

Lake of Isles South

Fishers Island Club

Public Courses

Private Courses

Gillette Ridge GC

CC of Fairfield

Bethpage State Park (Black & Red)

Great River GC

Farmington Woods CC

Grossinger’s CC

National Golf Links of

Fox Hopyard

Lake of Isles - South

Leatherstocking GC

America

Lake of Isles - North

Round Hill Club

Links at Union Vale

Mohegan Sun GC

Tamarack CC

Pound Ridge GC

Oak Hill CC (East & West)

Oxford Greens

The Course at Yale

Ravenwood GC

Maidestone Club

Pequabuck GC

The Stanwich Club

Sagamore GC

Quaker Ridge GC

Shennecossett CC

TPC Riverhighlands

Shinnecock Hills GC

Wintonbury Hills GC

Wee Burn CC

Seneca Hickory Stick GC Trump Ferry Point

Silo Ridge Field Club

CT National

Bulls Bridge GC

Public Courses

Private Courses

Fishers Island Club Friar’s Head GC

Sleepy Hollow CC

Turning Stone Winged Foot (Atunyote & Shenendoah) (West & East)

NORTHE AS T.GOL F | JU N E / JU LY 2020

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IN GOLF

BEST IN

BEST IN

NEW JERSEY GOLF

PENNSYLVANIA GOLF

Crystal Springs (Ballyowen)

Nemacolin Woodlands

Somerset Hills CC

Philadelphia Cricket Club (Wissahickon)

Public Courses

Private Courses

Public Courses

Private Courses

Blue Rdige Trail GC

CC of Scranton (Old)

Ballyowen GC

Baltusrol GC (Lower & Upper)

Hershey CC (West)

Fox Chapel GC

Ballamor GC

Galloway National GC

Inniscrone GC

Knoll (West)

Hollywood GC

Heron Glen GC

Liberty National GC

Nemacolin Woodlands (Mystic Rock)

Huntingdon Valley CC (Toomey/Flynn)

Neshanic Valley

Omni Bedford Springs

Seaview - Bay Course

Metedeconk National GC

Scotland Run

Pine Valley GC

Shore Gate GC

Plainfield CC

Nemacolin Woodlands (Shepherd’s Rock)

Twisted Dunes

Ridgewood CC (West & East)

Royal Manchester Golf

Oakmont CC

Links

Philadelphia Cricket

Somerset Hills CC

Toftrees Golf Resort

Club (Wissahickon)

Wyncote GC

Stonewall (Old)

Architects GC

Atlantic City CC

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Bayonne GC

Berkleigh GC

(Old Course)

Aronimink GC

Laurel Valley GC Lancaster CC (Meadow Creek/ Dogwood) Merion GC (East)

IN GOLF

BEST IN

BEST IN

VERMONT GOLF

NEW HAMPSHIRE GOLF

Omni Mount Washington GC

Jay Peak GC

Lake Winnipesaukee GC

Ekwanok CC

Public Courses

Private Courses

Public Courses

Private Courses

Breakfast Hill CC

Baker Hill GC

CC of Vermont

CC of New Hampshire

Concord CC

Green Mountain National

Eastman Golf Links

Golf Club of New

Jay Peak GC

Ekwanok CC

Lochmere Golf & CC

England

Lake Morey CC

Quechee Club

Loudon CC

Lake Sunapee CC

Montague GC

Stowe Mountain Club

Mount Washington GC

Lake Winnipesaukee GC

Okemo Valley GC

Vermont National CC

Owl’s Nest GC

Manchester CC

Oaks Golf Links

Montcalm GC

Portsmouth CC

Nashua CC

Atkinson Resort & CC

Abenaqui CC

Wentworth by the Sea CC

Brattleboro CC

Burlington CC Dorset Fields

Rutland CC Stowe Mountain CC The Golf Club at Equinox Woodstock CC

NORTHE AS T.G OL F | JU N E / JU LY 2020

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IN GOLF

BEST IN

BEST

MAINE GOLF

INSTRUCTORS

Belgrade Lakes GC

MIKE ADAMS, NEW JERSEY

Massachusetts

Boothbay Harbor CC

Public Courses

Belgrade Lakes GC

Private Courses

Boothbay Harbor CC

Cape Arundel

Falmouth CC

Fox Ridge GC

Portland CC

Martindale CC

Purpoodock GC

Riverside GC (North)

The Augusta CC

Samoset GC

The Woodland GC

Sugarloaf GC Sunday River CC The Ledges GC The Links at Outlook

30

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Chris Carpenter, Tom Cavicchi, Sarah Dixon, Skip Guss, Shawn Hester, Jane Frost, Adam Kolloff, Bill McInerney, Scott Munroe, Matt Stein

Rhode Island

Drew Anderson, Todd Campbell, Ryan Galloway, Russell Johnson, David Marcotte, Michael Robinson

Connecticutt

George Conner, John Vitale, Kammy Maxfeldt, Paul Ramee Jr., Mike Summa, Ron Beck, Tom Henderson, Tom Pannier, Suzy Whaley

New York

Darrell Kestner, Deb Doniger, Gary Weir, James Hong, Jason Birnbaum, Jorge Parada, Marty Nowicki, Michael Breed, Michael Jacobs

New Jersey

Brian Dobbie, Gia Bocra Liwski, Jason Carbone, Jorge Parada, Mike Adams, Mike Bennett, Steve Sieracki

Pennsylvania

Dom Dijulia, Eric Johnson, John Biekan, John Dunigan, Mark Anderson, Mark Sheftic, Nathalie Filler, Scott Chisolm, Ted Sheftic

New Hampshire

Jason Sedan, John Pawlak, Matt Thompson, Pam Sheerin, Rico Riciputi, Seth Dichard

Vermont

Erik Sorensen, Jay Morelli, Libby Smith, Sue Newell, Tom Mackey

Maine

Abby Spector, Don Roberts, Jason Herd, John King, John Mullen, Paul Piveronas, Scott Mayer

MEMBERS CLUB/PRIVATE RESIDENCES THE AQUIDNECK CLUB

“Victory”

at The Aquidneck Club A Home for Living in a Community for Life

A

AFTER AN AMAZING DAY OF BOATING on Narragansett bay and lunch along Newport’s historic waterfront, it’s time to cruise back to your harbor hideaway at one of Rhode Island’s most prestigious waterfront communities, The Aquidneck Club. Nestled along the shores of Narragansett Bay with close proximity by boat or car to Newport, RI, the community offers an unprecedented passion for living with world-class amenities for life. Located on 300 acres of breathtaking property along the Bay, the Aquidneck Club offers the ultimate for the heart and the soul and by all standards, is a place to call home in a life with far too many distractions. As the sun passes to the horizon over the bay, staging the perfect sunset, it’s time to settle in and enjoy, “Victory” at The Aquidneck Club in Portsmouth, Rhode Island.

By Timothy Branco

Victory is the point and center lookout residence at the prestigious Aquidneck Club in Portsmouth, RI, one of the most exclusive private golf & sporting clubs in New England. Each residence at the club is named after America’s Cup famous sailing yachts. Victory sits on the upper floors above the clubhouse with westerly facing waterfront views over Narragansett Bay and the Aquidneck Yacht Club & Marina. It is a private club that caters to members who sail, fish, and enjoy being on Narragansett Bay waters. The Yacht Club offers marine concierge services, including catering, provisioning, housekeeping, and service of your vessel. The concierge also arranges private charters, fishing charters, and sunset sails for members and their guests. So even if you do not own a yacht, you may enjoy the many opportunities that Narragansett Bay has to offer with charter services to Newport, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket and Long Island.

Victory is simply one of the most unique custom-built residences at the Aquidneck Club. This Nantucket inspired design has over 3300 square feet of living space on three levels with 3 bedrooms and 4 full baths and a half bath. The first level is an open floor plan designed with a full amenity chef’s kitchen, gas fireplaced living room, dining room, den/library, half bath, and two expansive decks looking west over Narragansett and Mt Hope Bays with beautiful sunset vistas year-round. The second level features 3 bedrooms and 4 baths and panoramic views from master bedroom with his and hers walk in en suite baths with dressing rooms. Both additional bedrooms feature full private baths. The spectacular

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third level features The Victory Tower room which is a 4-season

The Aquidneck Club delivers the utmost value to its

observatory/great room, ideal for entertaining or additional

members through unparalleled hospitality offerings made up of

sleeping quarters. Victory has access to all of the Aquidneck Club

a combination of personal service, stewardship, relationship,

amenities, full concierge service, including the spa, fitness center,

quality communication and member satisfaction.

restaurant dining services, and the clubhouse pool. Membership at the club also includes golf, the yacht club, equestrian center and all

An active lifestyle awaits

club activities.

Family picnics, holiday get-togethers, sunset sails, member events, film screenings, pony rides, garden parties, and the

New England’s Finest Sporting Estate

ever-popular Aquidneck Ball enrich the texture of the sporting

The Aquidneck Club is a private sporting estate committed to the art

and social experience at the Aquidneck Club. Camp

of living well. The location is classic New England-overlooking deep

Aquidneck provides organized instruction for your children.

blue waters across open fields and dappled countryside, offering a

Skill-building focuses on tennis, golf, riding, sailing and

sanctuary for golf, tennis, equestrian and maritime pursuits.

marine studies with hands-on creative workshops and

Members expect luxury, experience comfort, and fine/casual dining

supervised swimming. Interaction and experiences at the Club

as private yachts tug on their moorings to the west and the setting

teach children social skills and sportsmanship while creating

sun casts its golden glow across Narragansett Bay. Formerly the

memories for a lifetime.

prestigious private Carnegie Abbey Club, Peter de Savary opened it in 2000 on 300-plus acres leased from the Benedictine monks who operate Portsmouth Abbey School. In January of 2019, a group of former Carnegie Abbey members purchased this beautiful location to create a new world-class member-owned club.

For Exclusive Private Showing Contact Sharon Viens 401.808.9698 or sharon@sharonviens.com www.aquidneckclub.com

NORTHE AS T.GOL F | JU N E / JU LY 2020

33

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“ We started the JHH Celebratory Golf Tournament to honor our mom’s memory, and to give hope to other families facing cancer."

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— SARAH HARRINGTON, Tournament Director

STARTING A GOLF TOURNAMENT IS PERSONAL Organize yours at JimmyFundGolf.org Presented by

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GOLF FASHION AWARDS GOLF FASHION

GOLF APPAREL & ACCESSORIES As we head into our 4th year of publishing the Golf Fashion Awards,

we’d like to recognize a few brands that have made the cut each year: Footjoy, Puma, Greyson and Travis Matthews have earned a spot in each of their respected categories year after year, and for 2020 – they each find themselves award winners for the 4th consecutive year. Lets take a peek at all winners.

NORTHE AS T.G OL F | JU N E / JU LY 2020

37

BEST FASHION MENS

GOLF FASHION

1 2

3

MEN’S BRANDS GREYSON 1 Greyson has become more than just a clothing brand. It is a community of individuals who have through the individuality of personal expression, the singularity of the sport, and the camaraderie that it also holds, Greyson strives to engage with each individual who is as passionate about what they put on as much as they are passionate about discipline, fraternity, excellence.

Greysonclothiers.com PUMA

2 Puma Golf is a fusion of lifestyle and fashion fit for the 21st century. All items in the collection can be mixed and matched to create unique outfits, which is a major selling point for Puma. I love their partnership with Volition America.

It honors and supports the families of our military heroes through the Folds of Honor Foundation. Pumagolf.com PETER MILLAR

3 Peter Millar is a staple in the affluent golf market when it comes to green

grass apparel. Top quality performance fabrics, innovative prints, eye catching colorways are just a few of the reasons why we have chosen Peter Millar as one of the top brands overall in Mens golf fashion! Petermillar.com

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BEST FASHION WOMENS

1

WOMEN’S BRANDS VINEYARD VINES 1 Here in the Northeast, there may not be a more wellknown apparel brand as Vineyard Vines. Their prints, fabrics and easy on course/off course transitions make it an easy choice when it comes down to filling up your closet. There is a reason you fine Vineyard Vines in most pro shops around the region. Vineyardvines.com POLO RALPH LAUREN

2 A global leader in premium lifestyle products for more than 50 years, their reputation and distinctive image has been consistently developed across an expanding number of products, brands, and markets around the world. Ralphlauren.com JAMIE SADOCK

3 This ‘lifestyle’ designer has brought a rock-n-roll sensibility to country clubs and resorts all over the world. Her golf clothing is known for flourishes such as hardware, beading and embroidery, normally found in high-end designer clothing. Designed to be worn both on and off the golf course, Sadock’s innovative clothing is best known for unusual colors, great fit, unique textures, and impeccable details. Jamiesadock.com

2

3

NORTHE AS T.G OL F | JU N E / JU LY 2020

39

BEST FASHION GOLF FASHION

SHOES ADIDAS Codechaos | $150 1 The codechaos provides the golfer great comfort, traction and support which allows you to drive energy from the ground into your swing! Adidas.com

S H O E S , S O C K S & B E LT S

2

TRUE Linkswear Eco Knit | $99

3 Breeze through your day and round

comfortably with sustainable, ultra-light ECO Knit. The ECO Knit is the first of its kind, sustainable golf footwear ready for wherever your life takes you.

Truelinkswear.com

CUATER The Ringer | $199.95

2 A Premium Performance Tour Golf Shoe

that delivers ultimate comfort with lightweight support, breathability, and moisture management in an attractive, waterproof style. Travismathhew.com

4

3

1

SOCKS BOMBAS Performance Golf Socks | $16 4 Thermoregulation helps your feet breathe, and moisture-wicking keeps sweat away from your body. Bombas donates a pair of socks from every pair purchased so that alone gets them in our ranks! Bombas.com

7

KENTWOOL Classic Ankle Honeycomb | $19.95

5 The Classic Ankle is the perfect companion on and off the golf course. This sock fits over the ankle and is ultra-comfortable for all-day support. Kentwool.com

5

STANCE Golden Bear 2 | $20

6 Made from their Infiknit material they are guaranteed for life.

Rips? Tears? Holes? No strings attached, they’ll replace it for free. Stance.com

6

BELTOLOGY

8 No holes mean no sizing problems.

Their signature woven design means your belt will fit both your summer beach bod AND your post-thanksgiving bod. No more ad hoc holes punched in your belt!

Beltology.com NEXBELT

9 There are a lot of ratchet belt companies

popping up like weeds on the internet these days. Most charge a lower price and you’ll get a crap quality belt. Nextbelt is a stable in the belt game! Nexbelt.com

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8

BELTS SMATHERS & BRANSON 7 Needlepoint is coming back! Actually, I don’t think it ever left. Smathers & Branson iconic needlepoint belts are as elegant as it is casual and fun and is the perfect accessory to help you stand apart from the crowd. Smathersandbranson.com

3

BEST FASHION H AT S , G L O V E S & R A I N G E A R

HATS BLACK CLOVER All Star | $35 1 Sweet collaboration with baseball giant Rawlings, the All Star is one of the best hats we have seen come out in a while! Blackcloverusa.com

2

TRAVIS MATHEW Wicked | $34.95 2 Celebrate Boston in style with his Flexfit lid, perfect for days in Fenway or nights along the Charles River. Part of TM’s Destinations collection. Travismatthew.com

1

PUMA Pars and Stripes | $35

3 This Puma P Pars & Stripes Snapback Golf Cap brings patriotic vibes to Rickie Fowler’s favorite golf hat. Puma.com

3

5

4

GLOVES FOOTJOY StaSof Heritage | $30 4 The StaSof glove provides optimum feel, unmatched grip, exceptional moisture management and long lasting softness in all climates and conditions of play. Footjoy.com ASHER GOLF Canary | $24

5 The Canary Premium is made entirely with a single-piece, precision cut, AAA Cabretta Leather. The classic yellow color pays homage to golfers of the past. Ashergolf.com G/FORE MG4.1 | $40

6 G/Fore always provides stylish golfers with unparalleled construction,

6

quality, fit & feel. These gloves are precision-crafted from premium AA cabretta leather, with an embroidered patch detail. Gfore.com

RAINGEAR FOOTJOY Dryjoys Tour LTS | Jacket ($285) Pants ($215) 7 Constructed from advanced technology-packed materials that deliver 100% waterproof, breathable protection for golfers in cool, windy and rainy conditions. Footjoy.com

8 KJUS Gemini Series | Jacket ($549) Pants ($499)

Technical rain gear brought to the next level. Gemini helps control a golfer’s temperature by up to 10.2°F without the use of electronics but from a cutting-edge, reversible material. Kjus.com GALVIN GREEN Ashton | Jacket ($399)

9 The Ashton from Galvin Green is brand new this season and uses SHAKEDRY technology. Its super lightweight, breathable and fully waterproof. Galvingreen.com

7

8

9

NORTHE AS T.G OL F | JU N E / JU LY 2020

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BUSINESS ACUMEN N E X B E LT

Nexbelt

JUST THE BEGINNING

By ED TRAVIS

Brothers-in-law Eddie Rowland and Tom Hunsucker

engages teeth made of a long wearing nylon. Plus, since trimming the

sold their custom boat trailer manufacturing business but were not

belt to length is done with household scissors it is simple to get a

looking to retire; they wanted to find a new business to run.

“just right” fit.

By chance while Rowland was on vacation in Vietnam, he saw a

Talking with Rowland his passion for business in general and

belt with a rachet closure and became intrigued with the idea of

Nexbelt in particular are plainly evident. His words display a focus

wearing a “hole-less” belt. Researching those already on the market,

and intensity for running the company and we suspect his life and are

the pair knew they could do better.

typified by Nexbelt’s mission statement, the acronym “DRIVE”.

With a combination of original thinking and hard work Nexbelt was brought to market and over the ensuing ten years the patented design has become the standard for ratchet belts.

Anyone who has worn a Nexbelt recognizes the quality of materials used in the manufacture and we particularly like the

Optimism is also pervasive especially in his forecast for company growth coming off the crippling effects of the worldwide pandemic.

Northeast Golf had the chance to ask Rowland about Nexbelt, how the company got to its leading position in the ratchet belt business and what he sees for the future.

no-nonsense rugged construction of the buckle and the ratchet which Ed Travis: Your background was not in apparel or accessories so what lead you to starting a company in the highly competitive apparel accessories segment?

Eddie Rowland: I wanted to start Nexbelt because of my love and passion for the game of golf. I am a passionate single digit golfer and the thought of being in the business that I love and being able to travel and play the courses we sell to is a dream come true. It is also

nice to have many family members a part of the business.

ET: An Internet search found more than two dozen models

of ratchet belts for sale. What separates Nexbelt from the crowd?

ER: I’ve been asked this question often, especially in the early years.

Many of our golf reps had issue with these companies as they thought these other companies were infringing our patents, which some certainly were.

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NORTHE AS T.GOL F | JU N E / JU LY 2020

43

BUSINESS ACUMEN N E X B E LT

“Most of the customization we currently provide is made in house, we buy the blank buckles and laser etch or print four-color logos on the buckle and sometimes the strap too.”—ER Tom Hunsucker and Eddie Rowland

My answer is this: Competition fuels my passion for

an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort,

innovation. We lead the competition with new

intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise

innovations and superior quality. My favorite quote on

choice of many alternatives”.

this subject is from William A. Foster “Quality is never

There are so many things that make Nexbelt better and different, from the stainless steel set screws that hold the buckle together to the hundreds of unique belt and buckle designs that we have created from scratch. We simply do not copy anyone. We are creators. Our mission statement says a lot about our company: • “DRIVE” • Deliver what we promise • Retain the human touch • Invest in good people generously • Value our customers unconditionally • Embrace change with innovation Our patents help to keep a barrier from the competition. We have six issued patents and many pending patents.

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BUSINESS ACUMEN N E X B E LT

ET: What is your marketing and distribution plan for Nexbelt in

addition to sales on your website and other Internet retailers such as Amazon?

ER: Nexbelt, and other brand names we own or we work with have plans to distribute ratcheting belts globally to the mass of people that have never seen a belt like ours outside of the golf industry. We feel that every person in this world should have access to the most comfortable belts in the world.

ET: Can you tell us about your custom buckle program for country clubs and special events?

ER: Right now, a huge part of our sales is from customizing. We continue to keep an open mind every day as golf sales change, we listen

products coming out over the next few months that will positively

to our customer needs. Most of the customization we currently provide

change this industry. The EDC belts are a completely different belt with

is made in house, we buy the blank buckles and laser etch or print

features the enthusiast demand. We have listened well and continue to

four-color logos on the buckle and sometimes the strap too. This part of

listen with an open mind. We have at least 4 patents for products in the

the business is a lot of fun, you see many very famous golf clubs with

arena...very exciting.

the iconic logos on our buckles, often times it opens the door for me to

ET: Can you share with us what new products presently in

pay a visit to these very sought after clubs (and play golf too). We also

development?

make custom belts and buckles for large private corporations for their

ER: New products, I can share this. We have a new “GO_IN” golf

give-away program. It is a unique gift that the receiving customers can

buckle that we are naming after Jarrod Lyle; it is a complete redesign

wear every day, unlike a polo shirt, jacket or cap.

of our current patented buckle and we hope to get the PGA Tour

ET: Nexbelt first made its name in golf and now has branched out

behind us on this. We will be donating a percentage of the sales of this

to a different market, EDC (every day carry) gun belts. How is

product to the Leuk The Duck Foundation Challenge a charity

have they been received?

developed to support kids with cancer.

ER: Our EDC products have been extremely well received; I would say

Obviously, we have a lot of other new innovations that you can see

even better than the golf industry. Sales continue to grow year over year.

at the 2021 PGA merchandise show in Orlando.

We couldn’t be happier about this venture and we have so many new

ET: How did the shutdown due to the COVID-19 virus effect

your business and what is your forecast for Nexbelt for balance of the year?

ER: Covid-19 shut down wasn’t easy for anyone. We put on our thinking caps and created several new belt and buckle designs for other markets including law enforcement and dress belts for the masses. We still stay busy as we are an essential business, we are a vendor to a company that supplies products to various government agencies. They continue to be very busy which in return keeps us very busy. We are very anxious to see the golf courses open up and have their golf tournaments, I think everyone is not only ready for that but need it as well.

Our projections for the remainder of the year remain optimistic.

We were on our way to our best year ever and we still feel it could happen.

For more information go to:

www.nexbelt.com

NORTHE AS T.G OL F | JU N E / JU LY 2020

45

Top 100 Clubfitter in America

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As rewarding as the success of our professionals and amateurs is, We gain the greatest satisfaction from professionally and properly fitting YOU the average golfer, You the Beginning Golfer, You the Woman Golfer, You the Senior Golfer, You the Golfer with a Passion for the game of Golf and for the enjoyment of the Game of Golf. Let us Provide You with Best Fit for Your Game.

Make sure you follow us on social media: @spargogolf

GOLF GEAR AWARDS EQUIPMENT & GEAR

GOLF EQUIPMENT & GEAR We are pleased to announce the winners of the 4th annual Golf Gear Weekly Awards. Over 2200 entries were received who voted for their favorites of the year. This paired with other major lists and our own staff testings are used to determine the final results. Let’s take a look at our 2020 winners: NORTHE NORTHE AS AS T.GOL T.GOL F F || JU JU N NE E // JU JU LY LY 2020 2020

47

BEST GEAR DRIVERS & SHAFTS

EQUIPMENT & GEAR

VA COMPOSITES NEMESYS $325 | VASHAFTS.COM

COBRA KING SPEEDZONE $450 | COBRAGOLF.COM

FUJIKURA VENTUS

$350 | FUJIKURAGOLF.COM

HONMA TR20

$650 | HONMAGOLF.COM

KBS TD

$325 | KBSGOLFSHAFTS.COM

TOUR EDGE EXOTICS EXS 220

$350 | TOUREDGE.COM

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BEST GEAR FA I RWAY S & H Y B R I D S

CALLAWAY MAVRIK FW: $300 | HY: $250 CALLAWAYGOLF.COM

TOUR EDGE EXOTICS EXS 220

MIZUNO ST200 & 2020 CLK

FW: $250 | HY: $200 TOUREDGE.COM

FW: $250 | HY: $250 MIZUNOGOLF.COM

PXG GEN2 FW

FW: $425 | HY: $375 PXG.COM

TAYLORMADE SIM MAX

FW: $300 | HY: $250 TAYLORMADEGOLF.COM

NORTHE AS T.GOL F | JU N E / JU LY 2020

49

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BEST GEAR P L AY E R D I S TA N C E & G A M E I M P RO V E M E N T

EQUIPMENT & GEAR

MIZUNO MP20 IRONS

$1225 | mizunousa.com

PXG 3011P IRONS $425 per iron pxg.com

PING G710 IRONS $1300 | ping.com

COBRA KING SPEEDZONE IRONS

$800 | cobragolf.com

TOUR EDGE EXOTICS EXS 220 IRON WILSON D7 FORGED STEEL IRONS

$900 | wilsongolf.com

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$130 per iron |touredge.com

BEST GEAR WEDGES & PUTTERS

AXIS1 ROSE PUTTER $450 | axis1golf.com

BETTINARDI HLX 3.0 WEDGES $130 each bettinardi.com

TITLEIST VOKEY DESIGN SM8 WEDGES

EVNROLL ER10 OUTBACK MALLET PUTTER

$200 each | vokey.com

$400 | evnroll.com

SIK Pro C-Series $400 | sikgolf.com

CLEVELAND CBX FULL FACE WEDGE $150 each clevelandgolf.com

NORTHE AS T.GOL F | JU N E / JU LY 2020

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BEST GEAR BAGS, CARTS & BALLS

EQUIPMENT & GEAR

Bag Boy Chiller Hybrid Stand Bag

Ping Hoofer

$245 | ping.com

$200 | bagboy.com

Bag Boy Auto-Open Nitrogen Push Cart $250 | bagboy.com

Big Max Aqua Wave Stand Bag $250 | bigmaxgolf.com

Big Max Blade IP Push Cart $350 | bigmaxgolf.com

Sun Mountain Speed GX Push Cart Sun Mountain H2NO Superlite Stand Bag

$250 | sunmountain.com

$290 | sunmountain.com

ONCORE ELIXR

$44 | oncoregolf.com

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SNELL MTB BLACK/MTB-X $32.99 |

TITLEIST

PROV 1/X | $52.00

BEST GEAR WAT C H E S , S P E A K E R S & L A S E R S

BUSHNELL GOLF WINGMAN $150 | BUSHNELLGOLF.COM

BUSHNELL TOUR V5 SHIFT $400 | BUSHNELLGOLF.COM

VOICECADDIE G1

$300 | VOICECADDIE.COM

PRECISIONPRO NX2

AMPCADDY V3 PRO

$170 | PRECISIONPROGOLF.COM

$100 | AMPCADDY.COM

GARMIN APPROACH S62 $500 | GARMIN.COM

VOICECADDIE SL1

$500 | VOICECADDIE.COM

BUSHNELL TOUR V5 SHIFT SKYCADDIE LX5 $300 | SKYGOLF.COM

ROKFORM G-ROK

$100 | ROKFORM.COM

NORTHE AS T.G OL F | JU N E / JU LY 2020

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MOLORI UNPLUGGED

By John Molori

Teeing it up with a trio of Boston’s best media golfers

I

RECENTLY TOOK an informal poll of my New England sports

media brethren, asking them about the top sports media

golfers in the region.

“I love Salem, Kernwood, and Belmont. I loved playing Brookline because I am a student of the history of the game. I imagined being on the 17th hole where Francis Ouimet played.

Many well- known names surfaced, but the three names that popped up most often were NBC Sports Boston and NBC10’s Kevin Walsh, the recently retired WCVB-TV legend Mike Lynch,

I’ve been very lucky to be able to play so many great courses.”

Great courses lead to great golf stories. In 2000, Walsh was playing with ESPN’s Gene Wojciechowski at Pebble Beach

and longtime NESN Bruins’

Media Day. He relates, “Gene

analyst Andy Brickley.

played probably the worst round

Each of these talented men

of golf ever. He was so

offers their own unique

distraught, that he didn’t even go

perspective on golf, but it is the

to lunch with us. After lunch, a

love of the game that they have in

Lincoln Town Car pulled up and

common.

out comes none other than

Walsh grew up playing golf in

Arnold Palmer.”

Philly and was recruited by

Walsh took full advantage of

Temple, Villanova, La Salle, Penn

the moment, albeit with some

State, and Florida International.

trepidation. He relates, “At the

He chose to play golf at Purdue on a partial scholarship. “Every player was an amateur champion,

time, I was working on a book about caddying. I knew that

Mike Lynch

scratch or better,” he relates. “We played PGA courses, but in March and April, it was freezing. We all had colds and could barely swing the club.”

While Walsh has an impressive academic golf pedigree,

Palmer was a former caddy, so I worked up the courage to ask for a brief interview.

“I was fumbling with my tape recorder, but Palmer could not have been more thoughtful or gracious. I sent Gene a note telling him that he should have come to lunch because Arnie

Brickley says he is a “self-taught” golfer, and has never taken a

showed up. As it turns out, the joke was on me. Gene had gone

formal lesson.

to the range to practice, and a familiar voice asked if he was

“I learned the game by watching better players on the course and on TV,” says the Melrose, MA native and former UNH

struggling. It was Palmer, and he ended up giving Gene a private lesson.”

hockey star. “Golf was just a summer activity that filled a gap when I wasn’t playing baseball.

“My brother Quintin took lessons from Lyman Doane at Mount Hood. I was just trying to pick up the basics of seeing the ball, hitting the ball and getting to the hole.”

Local courses like Mount Hood are where you are most likely to find Mike Lynch. The iconic sports anchor and reporter whose WCVB-TV career began in 1982 has a varied list of favorite courses. “I still consider Tedesco my home course because I caddied there,” says the man known to fans as ‘Lynchie.’

56

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Andy Brickley

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Lynch, a star athlete at Swampscott, MA High school and Harvard, has his own Hall of Fame of golfing partners including Bobby Orr, John Havlicek, Roger Clemens, Steve Nelson, and Steve Grogan.

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Perfec

says the multi-time Massachusetts Sportscaster of

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Kevin Walsh

t

Father

As the only former athlete amongst our Big 3, Brickley

offers his thoughts on the difference between a slap shot and a sweet swing. “It takes a tremendous grind to be the victor in both sports,” says the man who played 4 of his 11 NHL seasons (1982-94) with the Bruins. “To generate power, you have to have that core strength in the

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middle of the body.

“Balance when addressing the ball or puck is crucial. You have to have a mental tenacity. In hockey, you can rely on teammates, and anger sometimes works. With golf, you are alone, and you can’t throw your bag into the crowd or knock down an opponent.”

Speaking of opponents, Lynch believes that the golf course is a great

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backdrop for getting to know your fellow duffers. “You find that you have things in common like family and politics. What is said on the course stays on the course. Prior to playing, you may have certain after playing for four hours.”

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John Molori is an author and columnist for numerous publications.

Facebook: John Molori, Twitter @MoloriMedia.

Email molorimedia@gmail.com.

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NORTHE AS T.G OL F | JU N E / JU LY 2020

57

AROUND THE GAME NEPGA • BEST EVENT

100th

BY Nick Heidelberger, New England PGA

New England PGA Championship Could Be One For The Ages If a centennial celebration is as much about recognizing the past as it is appreciating the present and looking forward to the future, the 100th New England PGA Section Championship promises to be one for the ages.

The NEPGA will pay tribute to its past this

field and claim the Donald Ross Trophy and a hundred bucks. The Championship has evolved significantly over the last century. The NEPGO became known as the NEPGA. The tournament has become a three-day, 54-hole event. Modern fields typically boast nearly 150 players with purses hovering around the six-figure neighborhood. Winners shoot scores 10 strokes lower than a century ago, and are rewarded with the Tom Mahan Sr., Trophy and a five-figure payday.

The championship has not returned to

August by returning to the grounds where the

Myopia since that inaugural tournament. Dan

Section’s first champion was crowned, the

Venezio, PGA (Portland CC), spent eight

Myopia Hunt Club. Myopia will co-host the

years as an assistant professional at Myopia

54-hole stroke play championship with

from 2007-15, and anticipates the course will

nearby gem Tedesco Country Club to give

demand disciplined golf.

NEPGA professionals a true test, and a treat.

“Playing well at Myopia boils down to two

In 1921, Gil Nichols shot 78-78 at Myopia

things: Fairways and patience,” said Venezio,

in the inaugural one-day, 36-hole NEPGO

who qualified for the 2015 PGA

Championship to finish atop the 62-player

Championship at Whistling Straits. “The golf

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course is not long, and on almost every par-4, you have a scoring iron in your hand. But miss the fairway and find the fescue or one of the devilish bunker complexes, you will be fighting an uphill battle the entire day.

Aggressive play can be rewarded with a lot of birdies, but those same aggressive choices tend to narrow your landing areas and make your margin for error shrink.” tournaments in the past, will serve as a

big modern golf courses where distance is an

sections a designated number of spots in the

formidable partner to Myopia throughout the

advantage, to the traditional style courses in

annual PGA Professional Championship,

first two rounds hosting the NEPGA

which precision and accuracy play of more

where more than 300 PGA Professionals from

Championship for the first time. Myopia will

importance. Traditionally Peter Hasak, our

around the country fight for 20 spots in the

host the final round after the 36-hole cut.

Golf Course Superintendent, has the golf

The PGA of America awards each of its 41

PGA Championship. An estimated 12

“The two clubs have similar traditional

course firm and fast with high fescue in August and throughout the fall.”

NEPGA Professionals will earn a spot in the

characteristics which put a premium on

2021 PGA Professional Championship at this

accuracy off the tee with great touch needed

year’s Section Championship.

around fast undulating greens,” said Jake

annually draws a large and eager field

Leech, PGA, Tedesco CC’s head golf

prepping to play at their peak when the

several Massachusetts Opens and Stage I of

professional. “It’s unique to see how the

54-hole tournament tees off. This year, that

PGA and LPGA TOUR qualifying

Section Championship sites vary, some being

field may be hungrier than ever. Given the

Tedesco Country Club, which has hosted

The NEPGA Section Championship

cancelation of several major golf championships throughout New England this year, including the US Senior Open, New England Open, The Massachusetts Open and the New Hampshire Open, New England Professionals will have limited opportunities to make their 2020 competitive season a memorable one.

“Section members are extremely excited to get back to competition in 2020, with this event being a bullseye on their tournament calendars,” Leech added. “We have received wonderful notes and e-mail responses as our Club and Superintendent are making all the right moves to prepare for such a great Championship. Enthusiasm is not only coming in from our typical younger portion of players but also some more of the veteran players as Tedesco and Myopia are unique in historic design. It will be a Championship for all to enjoy.”

Follow the action at: www.NEPGA.com NORTHE AS T.G OL F | JU N E / JU LY 2020

59

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ROSS’S RULES

By Jack Ross

Choosing the Top 10 New England Golfers: A Perplexing Task

A

S A TRANSPLANT FROM THE SOUTH, I concede that some of

Pat Bradley. A native of Wexford, MA, Bradley joined the LPGA

my esteemed colleagues have a better foundation of New

Tour in 1974 and won 31 events, including six majors. In 1986, she

England golf history than I. So when directed to write about the best golfers from the region, I relied in part on the assessments of others. Any

won three of four LPGA majors, and missed a grand slam by only three strokes in the U.S. Women’s Open.

Francis Ouimet

Bradley was twice named LPGA Tour Player

such list is necessarily arbitrary. There are

of the Year and was inducted into the World

many worthy candidates. Here goes.

Golf Hall of Fame.

Francis Ouimet. Ouimet earns his spot

Doug Ford. Ford emerged from West

not so much by his playing career but his

Haven, CT to compile an impressive

influence on amateur golf in the United

professional career. He had 19 Tour wins and

States. After his stunning defeat of Harry

14 top-10 finishes in majors. In 1955, he won

Vardon and Ted Ray in the 1913 U.S.

the PGA Championship and was named PGA

Open at The Country Club in Brookline,

Player of the Year. Two years later, he holed

Ouimet had a distinguished amateur

out a bunker shot on the last hole to defeat

career. He won two U.S. Amateurs, and was the first non-Briton elected Captain of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews. The Francis Ouimet

Patty Sheehan. Sheehan was born in Middlebury, VT and was a

Scholarship Fund has supported 5,100 students as Ouimet

top junior skier before turning her attention to golf after her family

Scholars.

relocated to Nevada. After winning a number of amateur

Julius Boros. The “smooth swing” pro from Fairfield, CT

championships, she joined the LPGA Tour in 1980 and compiled an

compiled a consistent career, with 18 PGA Tour wins between

impressive career with 35 wins and six majors. In 1996, she became

1952 and 1968, including three major championships. Boros

the first to win the U.S. and British Women’s Opens in the same

played on four Ryder Cup teams, was twice named PGA Player

year. She was named to the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1993.

of the Year, and defeated Arnold Palmer in a playoff in the 1963 U.S. Open at The Country Club.

Doug Ford

62

Sam Snead in the Masters. He was named to the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2010.

JU N E / J ULY 2 02 0 | NO RTHE AST.G OLF

Brad Faxon. Faxon was raised in Barrington, RI and was a two-time All American at Furman University. After joining the PGA Pat Bradley

Julius Boros

Brad Faxon

Bob Toski

Tour in 1983, he won eight times, played on

being effectively paired with mentor Phil

two Ryder Cup teams, and earned the

Mickelson at Medinah in 2012. After several

reputation as one of the best pure putters in

lean years, he bounced back in 2018 with a

the history of golf. Along with Billy Andrade,

win at the BMW Championship.

Faxon formed a charitable foundation that has

Dana Quigley. A native of Lynnfield, MA,

donated over $3 million to children in

Quigley joined the PGA Tour in 1971 but

Massachusetts and Rhode Island and has

never won an event. However, he worked as

appeared as a commentator on golf telecasts.

a club professional for many years and

Bob Toski. Toski hailed from Haydenville,

racked up 18 wins in New England events.

MA and learned the game as a caddie at Northampton Country Club. Despite weighing only 118 pounds (he was dubbed “Mouse” by

After joining the Champions Tour in 1997, Allen Doyle

Sam Snead), Toski compiled five PGA Tour wins. In 1954 he was the

Quigley won 11 times and led the money list in 2005.

Allen Doyle. Born in Woonsocket, RI and raised in Norwood,

leading money winner on the Tour and won the World

MA, Doyle compiled an impressive amateur career with 23 wins

Championship of Golf. Toski left the Tour at age 30 and later was a

between 1978 and 1994. He turned pro at age 46 and won three

leading golf coach, wrote instructional books, and served as a

times on the Nike Tour. He blossomed on the senior tour, winning 11

commentator on golf telecasts.

times including four majors for career earnings of over $13 million.

Keegan Bradley. Golf genes must mean something. Pat Bradley’s

Honorable Mention: Paul Harney, Billy Andrade, Meg Mallon,

nephew burst onto the scene in 2011, winning the PGA

Fran Quinn, Billy Burke, Kevin Johnson, Peter Teravainen, Jim

Championship in his major debut in dramatic fashion and taking

Hallet, J.J. Henry, Andy Morse, Bruce Douglas, Dr. Bill Mallon,

home PGA Tour Rookie of the Year honors. Bradley has compiled

Tim Petrovic, Patrick Sheehan, Jay Williamson, Henry Picard,

for tour victories and played on two Ryder Cup teams, most notably

Brett Quigley, Brad Adamonis, James Driscoll, Ken Green.

Dana Quigley

Keegan Bradley

Patty Sheehan

NORTHE AS T.G OL F | JU N E / JU LY 2020

63

THE CLOSING 9 GETTING AROUND

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